Many different claims have been made as to the origin of the Roote family, the two most commonly heard are that they are either Hughenot's or Norman's, but for all I know they are English.
One particular claim is that the Rootes, originally Racine in French, left Normandy in 940 to France, and then to London around 1457 or from France around 1589 directly to Badby & Kent (Note that the date for this version does not match). The Kent branch emmigrated to Salem Massachusetts and the Badby branch to Hartford Connecticut.
In Badby in the 1600 time frame, one of the three inn's was "Root House"
Special thanks goes out to Sue Thompson and to LaVerne Root who greatly helped me with this line and for correcting me on Beulah Root's (nee Boyd) incorrect information.
My 8th Great Grandfather, John Roote Jr., and his brother Thomas Roote Sr., are the progenitors of two of the three Root line's in America. My particular branch of descent (and I'm not sure where this is considered to start at) have been refered to as The Lace Curtain Irish Root's. The 'Lace Curtain' apparently refers to the fact that they could afford curtain's made from Lace, but I am unsure where the 'Irish' part come's from, must be from one of the mother's.
One claim is that the name was originally Rootes, two syllables, pronounced Roo-tay and that they were probably from Routes or Touttes, a commune in the arrondissement of Yvetit in Normandy.
One claim about the family is relayed below, though this seems more directed at the Massachusetts branch of the family and I have heard different definitions for the word "Humbugivtiveness":
The name Roote comes from Normandy ancestry, yet the Saxon blood has been interfused. They were Puritans (after arrival in America), tall, lank but strong, dark haired, temperate and long lived. They were large men, all weighing over 200 lbs and were over six feet tall. The women were large also. They were always characterized as men of great energy and perseverance, good minds for business, of good character in morality and integrity. They were also noted for their sarcasm, a strong humbugivtiveness, were generally good mathematicians and musicians. From their first introduction in this country the early settlers of the name were farmers and weavers of cloth. They took a prominent part in all social movements agitated by the people, in political affairs of the communities where they dwelled and in securing the welfare of the churches with which they united. They were men of high intelligence and educational facilities.
Cliff Hope recently (Jan. 16 2006) wrote to me and told me of a John Roote who was monk at St. Andrews (in Northampton) and then, about 1538-1575, was Vicar of St. Giles church (in Northampton). He also wrote that late 1500s there were Roots in nearby Daventry, in Malzor (Peterborough), and in Sussex County there was a Gentry class of Roots. New (June 26, 2007) note: The Cluniac Priory of St. Andrew included St. Giles until St. Andrew was 'surrendered' in 1538 (presumably as a part of the dissolution of the monasteries under Henry VIII) when St. Giles aparently then became a seperate church under royal patronage. [1] [2]
He also wrote (June 16 2006) and sent a list of 5 references to Roote's from "A Copy of Papers Relating to Musters, Beacons, Subsidies, Etc. in the County of Northampton A.D. 1586-1623" edited by Joan Wake and published by the Northampton Record Society (1926)- 1) Musters (1591): Robert Roote of Whitlebury cum Silueston; 2) Subsidy (no Date but under Elizabeth) John Roote of Milton Mawlesworth [Middleton Malzor]; 3) "The names of such men as are to by ymployed uppon aney occasions in the Hundred of Norton" (no date) Robert Roote of Sillueston; 4) Trained Bands (no date) John Roote of Milton; 5) Trained Bands (no date) Giles Roote and Tymithey Roote of Badby. So that raises the question, who are the Rootes from #5? (the one's from Badby), and are any of the others connected or even the same as any of the below?
My 10th Great Grandfather, Thomas Roote
Born 1555 in England. Died 5 April 1609 in Badby, Northampton, England. Married before 1575 in Badby, Northampton, England to Ann Burrell OR Elizabeth Parker (unknown which but she was born either 1550 or circa 1559 in Badby)
Two Children:
My 9th Great Grandfather, John Roote Sr.
Born 24 Jun 1576 in Badby, Northampton, England. Died before 1640 in Badby, Northampton, England. Married 27 Jul 1600 to Ann "Mary", OR, Mary Ann, Russell in the Church of the Virgin, Badby, Northampton, England.
Some sources have dob as 1575, marriage as 23 Jul 1600, and dod as 3 Jun 1683.
4 children:
My 8th Great Grandfather, John Roote Jr.
Born c. 1607/8 in Badby, Northampton, England. Died 16 Aug 1684 in Farmington, Hartford Co., Connecticut Colony. Married 1st 1630 to Dorcas "Dorothy" Abbott. Married 2nd 1640 in Farmington, Hartford Co., Connecticut Colony to Mary Thomas Kilbourne.
Some source's say he was Baptized 26 Feb. 1608, others say he was Christianed in 1608, and others still say he was Christianed 26 Feb 1607. Some also claim marrioage to Mary Kilbourne was 10 Jan 1639.
A Weaver
Raised by his uncle who, on page 314 of the Pierce book is spoke of thusly "...a man of wealth, advanced in years, and a zealous opponent of popery, and it is my impression one of the nobility." He goes on (page's 314 & 315) to say that "He insisted that John, our ancestor, should go into the Parliamentary army under Cromwell, to fight against Charles I, and the Catholics. He [John] had an aversion to war, and chose rather to join a company of Puritans who were coming to this country. When he arrived he came to Farmington, and was one of its first settlers, in 1640." (Jesse Root, quoted in the Pierce book, pg. 314)
Came to Connecticut 1640 or about 1637. Member of the Farmington, CT Congregational Church.
His estate at death was valued at ₤819
9? Children (abigail uncertaint):
My 7th Great Grandfather, Caleb Root
Born about 1658 in Farmington, Hartford Co., Connecticut Colony. died 10 Jun 1712 in Farmington, Hartford Co., Connecticut Colony. married 1st 9 Jul 1693 to Elizabeth Salmon in either Farmington, Connecticut Colony or Westfield, Hampden, Massachusetts Bay Colony. Married 2nd ? Gillette
Doctor?
5 Children:
My 6th Great Grandfather, Samuel Root
Born 20 Nov 1712 in Farmington, Connecticut Colony. Died 17 May 1778 in Waterbury, Connecticut Colony. Married 21 May 1740 to Elizabeth Prindle
http://newenglandgenealogy.pcplayground.com/f_1e1.htm#41
A story about him, attributed in the Pierce book to Bronson's History of Waterbury, pg. 289 is as follows: ... shows that our ancestors were not permitted the liberty of sleeping soundly in church, while it furnishes an incident in the life of Mr. Samuel Root: "Mr. Leavenworth had the reputation of being what is called a plain preacher, not having always the fear of his people before his eyes. He doubtless thought that it did good to stir them up sometimes roughly. He had among his hearers, a person of some standing, who had the infirmity of sleeping [and probaly snoring] in meeting. Thinking perhaps to cure the man's weakness, he on one occasion stopped suddenly in his discourse, and addressing himself to the sleeper, said: 'Wake up! wake up!' The response quickly followed: 'I am not asleep any more than you, Parson Leavenworth; so please mind your own business.' Of course a great commotion followed. Some were indignant, others amused. Two days after, or on the 10th day of June, 1760, the delinquent, Samuel Root, was arraingned on a grand jury complaint, before Thomas Clark, for 'profaning the sabbath or Lord's day, by rude talking in time of public worship, to the disturbance of both minister and congregation, contrary to law.' The culprit confessed that he did talk, &c., and pleaded in justification 'that he had told Mr. Leavenworth that if ever he spoke to him in particular in time of worship to wake up, he would tell him that it was none of his buisness.' The court looked upon the plea as insufficient, and ordered the guilty party to pay a fine of five shillings and cost of court, taxed at £0 4s. 2d. and stand committed till he comply, &c."
8 children:
My 5th Great Grandfather, Joseph Root
Born 22 May 1755 in Waterbury, New Haven Co., Connecticut Colony. died 12 Oct 1816 in Waterbury, New Haven Co., CT. Married 19 June 1777 to Mary Russell.
Price's book says he did not die in 1816 but that the family relocated to New York 1817/8.
Revolutionary War Soldier, various dates between May 1776 and Dec. 1781. Mary's claim record say's that he was present at the capture of Burgoyne's Army at Stillwater & Saratoga, and at the taking of Cornwallis. That record also say's he served under Maj. Noah Baldwin & Capt. Ezra Munson.
11 Children:
My 4th Great Grandfather, Joseph Root
Born 22 May 1786 in Waterbury, New Haven Co., CT. Died 8 Jun 1865 in Dover, Cuyahoga Co., OH. Married 6 dec 1814 in Painesville, Geauga Co., OH to Sallie Maxon/Maxum/Maxcen.
15 children:
  • Mary Root (1815-1880), Descendents in the Rice family
  • a son (1817-?)
  • Lyman Root (1819-1855)
  • Julia Root (1820-aft 1865)
  • Leonard J. Root (1822-1876)
  • a daughter (1826-?)
  • a son (1828-?)
  • a son (1829-?)
  • Caroline Root (1830-1853)
  • Joseph Root (1833-1915)
  • Sarah E. Root (1836-1853)
  • a daughter (1837-?)
  • William E. Maxon Root (1838-1928) (See Here, for more)
  • George Geoffrey Root
 There is a poem that Sue Thompson sent me, that apparently used to be recited at reunions, and I thought it very fitting so I decided to put it here, enjoy.
Written for and given at the Root Reunion, 1934, by Florence Elma Ervay Root.
Title: A Bit of Family History
Long ago a down East Yankee was born in America's land.
His name was Joseph Root; I've given to understand.
All was not to his liking in Connecticut's fair state
So he thought the matter over and decided to emigrate
There was no train or horseless carriage or even an ox or a mule.
To carry this bound traveler, who observed the golden rule?
His only way was to walk to find his promised land.
He traveled light for his wants were few and did not much demand.
The trip was long and arduous with dangers on every hand
But his trusty old horsepistal was ever at his command.
Wild beast roamed the forest through which he had to go.
Houses were few and far between in this land so long ago.
Blazed trails instead of roads were what they traveled then.
He met and conquered hardships that would worst our modern men.
Few bridges spanned the streams to carry his weary feet.
Walking logs, he sometimes slipped in to make his hardship complete.
At last, after he walked for a thousand miles or more
He selected a spot for his cabin on beautiful Lake Erie's shore.
There in the midst of the forest he carved for himself a home
For his journey was over and ended, he cared no more to roam.
Meat he had for the taking, the finest there was in the land.
Deer there was in abundance; squirrels and turkeys on every hand.
Fish swam about in the waters, so thick they got in each other's way.
He could quickly catch plenty of breakfast or any other meal of the day.
But amen by him is lonely, whatever he has in this life,
Se he began casting about to find for himself a wife.
No place for a timid maiden, this we can plainly see.
He needed a true helpmate as brave and stouthearted as he.
After a short sweet courtship young Sally was wedded to Joe
And of the many hardships to come, it was well she did not know.
Dear, sweet, strong hearted Sally. She was on the finest of wife's.
She sturdily walked beside him through all the rest of their lives.
And when the children began coming, new burdens were hers to bear.
New burdens and heartaches and sorrows each were called on to share.
God sent them fourteen children to bless their small domain.
But due to the many hardships some did not long remain.
Of those who grew to maturity were three stalwart, rugged sons.
And when the Civil War broke out, they got behind their guns.
Your grandfather was one, and was one of those boys in blue.
Who shouldered his gun and marched away to make this land safe for you.
When conflict was over they came back to their native state.
They set about making homes for themselves and worked both early and late.
Wives and children should make happy homes, whatever the county or state.
But like their adventurous father, they decided to emigrate.
They made their way to Michigan, the state we all love the best.
Right here I will end my story for I think you know the rest.
Now once each year we gather to spend one fleeting day.
To talk old times over and enjoy it as we may.
To draw our families closer and tighten the tie that binds.
For ever and ever before us, time's river swiftly winds.
We hope to interest our children so they'll want to come each year.
For soon they'll be the grown folks. Their time is growing near.
To look after these reunions and keep the family spirit alive.
If we each do our part in passing we feel sure Root reunions will thrive.
My 3rd Great Grandfather, George Geoffrey Root
Born 18 June 1837/40 in Dover, Cuyahoga Co., Ohio. Died 8 Feb. 1916 in Vermontville, Eaton Co., MI. Married 10 April 1865 in Dover Township, Cuyahoga Co., Ohio to Clarissia "Clara" Angelina Merriam.
based on Beulah Root's (nee Boyd) information I originally believed him to be the songwriter George Frederick Root.
1850 & 1860 Census's suggest a 1840 birth date but Tombstone has a 1837 birth date.
Came to Michigan in the period between 1870 and 1877, settling in Eaton County about 4 miles from his brother William.
Served with Rutherford B. Hayes (unknowingly a distant cousin) in the 23rd Ohio Infantry as did his brothers Joseph and William. Descendent's of the three brothers all have the following story but relate it to their particular ancestor of the three:
-- He was to have been shot for falling asleep on Guard duty, till (then Col.) Hayes investigated when he found out what had happened and pardoned him. A Sixteen year old boy in the outfit was sick so George (Joseph/William) carried his pack in addition to his own on a forced march double time, then drew guard duty as did the boy. He tried to take over for the boy but fell asleep and was caught by an officer they called "Skunk Butler" (who was later shot in the back in battle.). --
George's service record shows a demotion from Sergeant to Private, probaly over this incident.
7 Children:
  • Bertha Root (1866-1866)
  • Lyman "Lyme" A. Root (1867-1940)
  • Andrew "Andy" Jackson Root (1868-1954)
  • Aletha Root (1870-1873)
  • Almiry/Almary "Mary" Root (1874-1903)
  • William "Will/Willie/Bill" Merriam Rice Root (1877/80-1950)
  • George Melvin Root
Census indicates 5 more youngsters but Beulah Root (nee Boyd) didn't believe that was correct "no way".
My Great-Great Grandfather, George Melvin Root
note some sources say Melvin George Root
Born 27th Sept. 1886 in Chester Township, Eaton County, MI. Died 15th Sept. 1967 in Bellevue, Eaton Co., MI. Married 23 Dec. 1911 in Charlotte, MI to Anna Pearl(e) Smith
Carpenter
8 or 9 Children: also have strong reason to believe that Melvin Lenord Root was a child of Melvin/George and Pearl, but have no proof. Melvin died Dec 7th 1941 aboard the U.S.S. Arizona in the attack on Pearl Harbor, HI.
My Great Grandparents and I, 1987 My Great Grandmother, P.R.R.
Information withheld to protect privacy of living descendents
5 children, 8 Grandchildren, 13 Great-Grandchildren, & 4 (or More?) Great-Great Grandchildren.
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